So, I have the UCC Dynamite mountain bike with front suspension. I may have a little money soon to do one upgrade. I use the bike to commute, but also trail riding, and I want to start taking advantage of the mountains we have around here. So, I a,m just asking for your opinion here. If I can get one upgrade, which should I get?

12-26-2012

pfox90

Save your money till you can buy a new bike.

12-26-2012

mountainmatt

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfox90

Save your money till you can buy a new bike.

Unfortunately, that would take too long!

12-26-2012

shibiwan

FYI - Suntour is starting a trade-up program in the US. Not sure since you're stuck in China.

Tubes tire crank and wheels are all rotating weight that is the most notable upgrade to the bike. If you wanna do brakes I would strongly recommend bb7 instead of hydros. For the same price they are much stronger and easier to work with

12-26-2012

mattnmtns

Well normally I would say save that money and put it towards a new bike. However I recall you are in China. So that might change a few things. I guess for one is how long do you you plan to be in China. I assume you aren't Chinese with a name like Matt. So I can see not spending a lot on a be that may be difficult to carry elsewhere.

I would say unless there is a particular part that is giving you issues or you would like to see better performance in ride it into the ground and replace later.

12-26-2012

AZ

Tires, don't sink a boat load of money in upgrades.

12-26-2012

Hawg

Ride it until something breaks or wears out. In the meantime, hold onto your money and save even more for when the time comes. :thumbsup:

12-26-2012

mitzikatzi

Tires, brake pads and pedals

12-26-2012

shibiwan

...I'm leaning towards cheapo mods too.. tires.

12-26-2012

One Pivot

Pedals first, those plastic pedals are pretty much just dangerous offroad. Then I agree with everyone else, go for good tires. Good tires will change the way your bike feels completely.

12-26-2012

AndrwSwitch

Pedals, tires, maybe a saddle or stem if you need that to get a good fit.

Then stop throwing money at the damn thing! Stems are cheap, you can move your favorite tires, pedals and saddle to a new bike; the rest you just lose.

12-26-2012

mountainmatt

Ok, ok lol. I will just save my money for a new, full-suspension bike, although it may take me a year to save. And, I do plan to be in China long-term.

12-26-2012

DavyRay

Pedals and tires. Tires only after you learn what the stock ones are like, and how they work on trails.

12-26-2012

Zuarte

When you say commute, do you mean it is left outside on a bike rack throughout the day? If that's the case, I would recommend spending good money on a respectable bike lock + extra cables. The last time I was in China, the commuter bike population there was about the same as in US cities - that is to say, cheap bikes to not draw attention from thieves. Yours definitely will if it's locked outside all day.

As for real upgrades, I would say replace anything that you genuinely find uncomfortable in terms of fit. Outside of that, light tires are the best bang for the buck.